Finland-Spain match ends with 0-0 draw

Finland played with Spain 0-0 draw Wednesday in the Finnish Football Association's centenary game.

Photo: Finland-Spain match ends with 0-0 draw

The Spaniards dominated the ball, and Finland didn't get off a shot until early in the second half. Still, striker Jonatan Johansson had a late chance for the hosts, but Pablo Ibanez defended well.

"I am more than satisfied with our performance against one of the best teams in a high tempo, a good game of football which looked like a qualifying game," Finland coach Roy Hodgson said.

Spain had some early chances at the Olympic Stadium. Albert Riera, playing in his second international match, combined well with David Silva and Andres Iniesta.

In the second half, Finland goalkeeper Antti Niemi tipped Mariano Pernia's swerving free kick over the bar and made a similar save on a hard shot from Luis Garcia. But Riera came closest, sneaking through on the left and hitting the post in the 81st minute.

Spain, which beat Denmark in European Championship qualifying on Saturday, rested eight players against Finland. Only defender Sergio Ramos and midfielders David Albelda and Andres Iniesta played from the start Wednesday.

Spain captain Carles Puyol was back on the team after injury problems and played for 45 minutes.

The 35-year-old Niemi was honored after a three-year absence from the national team, stepping in for Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is nursing a sore back.